b'GOLF ALASKAMy daughter, who has an Aurora alarm App, always wakes me when they come out. Whatever time it is, I put on my robe, pour a glass of red wine and head outside to enjoy the show.Anderson, a gregarious second-generation Fairbanksan, was essentially raised on the Fairbanks GC. His mother, an avid player, co-pioneered the original 9-hole track. His father is memorialized with Buds Pond, a feature he excavated because, Anderson recalls, my dad decided the closing par 3 needed a water hazard to make it more challenging. Fairbanks GC has enough other hazards and numerous local rules that your scorecard will benefit from playing with locals. They alternate tee boxes to create 18 different strategies off the tee.This course has three par 3s, par 4s and par 5s, says Bart Grahek, another local member. Going out, you play the par 5s from the back tees, but coming in, theyre all white tees, which increases the risk-reward factor and makes the wagering more fun.A retired public school administrator, when Grahek isnt playing golf hes thinking about golf. Im an Alaska Airlines 100,000-mile frequent flier solely because of winter golf.As often as he finds himself in Arizona, Palm Springs, or Florida between November and March, Grahek remains passionate about Alaska golf.The par-4 eighth hole is the northernmost golf hole in the U.S.Its much more challenging to handle the lies, greens, and obstacles here, he says. My handicap invariably rises when Im home, even if I play from shorter distances. I also think having foxes that steal balls (especially colored ones), occasional moose tracks on the green, and other natural hindrances keep it interesting.Fairbanks GC does require focus, as tall trees and the bush are eager to swallow wayward shots, and the slow rolling greens convey subtle slopes that confound a first-timer. The courses 19th hole, Greens Bar & Grill, cant be misread. The excellent menu draws more non-golfers than duffers to the expansive deck and well-styled interior. GOLF ALASKA| JUN 20257'